Side Effects of Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride

by
RAE UDDIN Last Updated: Mar 11, 2011

Rae Uddin

Rae Uddin has worked as a freelance writer and editor since 2004. She specializes in scientific journalism and medical and technical writing. Her work has appeared in various online publications. Uddin earned her Master of Science in integrated biomedical sciences with an emphasis in molecular and cellular biochemistry from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.

Use of oxymetazoline hydrochloride in the eye can cause eye irritation side effects.Photo Credit Eye image by mohamed salah eldin said from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Oxymetazoline hydrochloride is the generic name of an over-the-counter medication indicated to alleviate nasal allergy symptoms. This medication can also be used to treat red eye in affected people. Oxymetazoline hydrochloride is administered in liquid form, either to the nasal passageways or the eyes, as directed. Before using this nonprescription medication, people should review the side effects of oxymetazoline hydrochloride.

Eye Irritation

Ophthalmic use of oxymetazoline hydrochloride can cause eye irritation side effects within the treated eye, explain health professionals with Drugs.com. A person can notice that the eye appears unusually red, or tears or waters easily due to irritation. These side effects can cause the person to frequently rub or scratch the treated eye, which can exacerbate eye irritation symptoms.

Nasal Irritation

Application of oxymetazoline hydrochloride to the nasal passageways can cause nasal irritation. Affected people can experience an unpleasant burning or stinging sensation within the nose, which can lead to sneezing side effects, warn medical experts with PDRHealth. Frequent sneezing can accompany increased nasal congestion, and can make it difficult for affected people to breathe normally through the nose.

Headache or Dizziness

Headache pain or sensations of dizziness can arise following treatment with oxymetazoline hydrochloride, according to Drugs.com health professionals. Headache side effects are typically mild, but can recur with subsequent treatment with this medication. People who experience episodes of dizziness can have difficulty remaining upright and stable upon standing or while walking about normally. If these oxymetazoline hydrochloride side effects are accompanied by breathing difficulties or heart rate irregularities, affected people should consult a physician immediately.

Difficulty Sleeping or Restlessness

While receiving treatment with oxymetazoline hydrochloride, people can become unusually restless, explain PDRHealth medical professionals. Sensations of restlessness, nervousness or anxiety can contribute to sleeping difficulties in those being treated. Inadequate sleep during the night can cause side effects of increased daytime fatigue, which can affect a person's ability to remain alert during the day. These temporary side effects of oxymetazoline hydrochloride typically subside with continued treatment.

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